US military launches fresh strikes against Iran after Tehran closes Strait of Hormuz
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the attacks began at 19.15 (2315 GMT) in Washington, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the commercial ship passing through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM stated that the operation was carried out under the instructions of President Donald Trump and said, “The USA continues to weaken Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial ships passing freely through the strait and imposes a heavy cost.” he said.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “Iran made a bad choice. Now they are paying the price for it.”
Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guard closed the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice” after firing warning shots at a ship they said was using an unauthorized route.
The latest tensions following recent mutual attacks threaten to further complicate efforts to revive US-Iran negotiations. The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major sticking point; Tehran insists it will control shipping through the waterway, while Washington demands unrestricted navigation.
(With input from institutions)
